Help with…
Christians across Ipswich are working together to help people in our local area struggling with the cost of living crisis.
When money is tight, it’s good to be aware of what’s out there so we know what’s available to us, and to share this information with friends and neighbours who might need help.
Each of these organisations is also looking for volunteers. Perhaps God is calling you to offer your time and talents to help others in our town?
Top-Up Shops are not food banks but are places where people on low incomes can get hold of food to feed themselves and their families.
They’re set up in churches, and run on set days and times every week. You don’t need a referral – you just turn up, pay £2 and take what you need.
Our most local Top-Up Shop is at All Hallows Church, Landseer Rd, IP3 0JH. It’s open every Tuesday from 9.30am until 10.30am.
There is a similar Pop-Up Shop at the Priory Centre, Queensway, open 10-11am on Thursdays.
Help with food
Help with debt
The effects of debt can be devastating to families. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) are lifesavers, helping people get out of the debt trap, and stay debt-free.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis says, ‘CAP are unsurpassed when it comes to the debt help they give people.’
There is a CAP debt centre based in Ipswich, run in partnership with local churches across the town, and they also run life skills and money management courses. Their help is completely free.
0800 328 0006
It can be really hard to raise a family, particularly if you’re doing it on your own. The pressures are even worse when money is tight.
Family First is a local Christian charity working with families who are struggling for all kinds of reasons. They arrange for trained volunteer mentors to meet with you, to listen and to encourage you as a parent. This regular support really works to help families move on.
They work confidentially and non-judgementally, to help families become resilient, thriving and happy.
0300 772 7715
Help with family issues
Help with wellbeing
Our very own TLC Renew Wellbeing Cafe is open every Wednesday in the Lantern Room, offering friendship, support and care.
We welcome people of all backgrounds and life stages to come and join in an activity or bring a hobby to share, to relax and chat over a coffee, or to enjoy the peace in our quiet prayer space.
Our activities are based around the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ which promote good mental and emotional health. We also signpost our regulars to other local support services.
Every Wednesday, 10-12.30pm
Lantern Room. Free of charge
Help with emergency financial support
The St Augustine’s Community Compassion Fund exists to provide financial support to anyone in the parish, or connected to the life of St Augustine’s Church, in need.
Our application process is simple. We aim to respond quickly and recipients are kept confidential.
Please contact our Church Office if you, or anyone you know, might need this help, or if you would like to give to the Fund to help others.
office@staugustinesipswich.org.uk
01473 723 960
What else can we do?
St Augustine’s is a generous church family which seeks to love our local community well, believing that the blessing of God isn’t meant just to flow to us but flow through us.
How else might we be a blessing?